Left at Albuquerque

 Song - South of Santa Fe by Brooks & Dunn

Thursday - April 10

Santa Fe

Enjoyed brunch less than a block from our hotel at Pantry Rio and we sat outside in the cool morning sunshine. We then walked to the Loretto Chapel which claims to have a “miraculous staircase “ with no support.

I lit a candle for a safe journey home

 Next we headed to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi which was closed for a performance but the father let us peek in and take some photos.

Then onto the plaza square with lots of window shopping along the way - (well I may have ducked into a few shops!).

We then walked over to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum which alternates over three thousand of her pieces. 

They even had her famous black dress & hat on display as well as some of her brushes. & pigments. 

After all of that, Mr. B found a bookstore and while he was shopping, I sat at a table and worked on a community puzzle at the bookstore’s coffee shop. What fun. Time to head back to our room so I could download some photos and Mr. B could read his new book. 

For dinner that evening we walked past the square to the La Fonda Hotel and within it our restaurant, La Plazuela. Oh my. 

As soon as I walked in I knew it would be great. 

They had table side guacamole service to your liking, more waiters than customers and a wonderful array of dishes. Every detail was perfect.

 I ordered the PAN-SEARED CHILEAN SEABASS Green Chile Risotto | Sugar Snap Peas | Citrus Beurre Blanc & Asparagus and Mr. B had the Short Ribs with Brie polenta & seasonal vegetables. Both were excellent. We headed home with happy memories and full belly’s. 

Value Studies



"Promises" by Jeanette Le Grue


Yesterday I took a painting class from Jeanette Le Grue at her studio in Tomales, CA.  It's a quaint little town just a few miles inland from the ocean and a beautiful drive from my home in Walnut Creek.  There are farms nearby and we could hear the cows "moo" while we were painting.  Jeanette had us work on a three color value study from a still life set up.  It is interesting how intense that can be when you need to break down all of the colors that you see into only three values.  It is a good lesson as it helps you to see how important it is to simplify your painting and to tie your darks together.  Next week we will move to color.  Jeanette Le Grue is a gifted teacher and wonderful artist.  If you would like to see her work, check out her website or head on over to Tomales Fine Art Gallery.

Jeanette Le Grue's website - http://www.legrue.com/ 

"Still - in a way - nobody sees a flower - really - it is so small - we haven't time - and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time." ~ Georgia O'Keeffe